Bangalore: A positive image is created not just by power dressing and the latest in grooming aids. The way you greet a person, the way you respond to greetings, how you carry on a conversation, how you stand or gesture while speaking, the way you listen and respond and what you say while parting... all go to create an impression about you.

"The latest in clothing or an imported cologne or, in the case of career women, the most careful grooming and make-up, will not make up for a poor manner of speaking or poor posture or lack of proper eye contact," says former HR head M.K. Rao, who now works as a consultant. He has found even graduates from top business schools who have presented a poor image because they did not pay attention to these details.

Communication skills

"The right speaking-listening proportion is essential to good communication, which, in turn, reinforces your image as an intelligent and articulate person. Many young people graduate without learning this skill," says industrial consultant K. Shankar.

Both emphasise the fact that the ability to initiate or carry on an intelligent conversation is as important as creating that first impression, which helps in positive image building.

The way you appear during a conversation or a more formal one-to-one meeting is as important as the words spoken. Fidgeting with fingers, nervous habits such as scratching the face or head, not maintaining eye contact, not nodding at appropriate times and not responding when required may all brand you as inattentive when you may not actually be so.

Eye contact

"Try to look at a person's face when he or she is talking to you and maintain as much eye contact as possible. A smile when needed and a slight nod to signify you have got the point help the conversation flow smoother. Never interrupt other than for a pause or to ask a question. This is especially necessary when speaking with someone older or higher up the corporate hierarchy than yourself," points out Mr. Rao. If the other person were to interrupt, pause and then say: "Yes, but let me complete," smile and then complete your sentence. Never let the other side hanging with an incomplete sentence.

Posture

Posture is important; if sitting down, never slouch or cross your legs in such a way that one foot is pointing at the other person. You are not displaying well-polished shoes but your intellect. If standing, keep your back straight, avoiding a military stiffness. When shaking hands, keep a firm hold without crushing the fingers. If shaking hands with a woman, a slight grasp of the fingers is more proper.

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